The President of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, has been appointed as the Regional Coordinator for Africa by the International Gas Union (IGU), marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s influence in the global gas sector. The announcement was made during the recently concluded World Gas Conference held in Beijing, China.
According to a statement issued by the NGA on Wednesday, Nwokedi’s appointment is a recognition of his and the association’s sustained contributions to advancing natural gas as a driver of energy security and economic development across Africa. The new role underscores Nigeria’s leadership position in the continent’s gas industry.
In his new capacity, Nwokedi will serve as the main liaison between the IGU and its African member countries, a role that involves ensuring Africa’s voice is heard in key international gas policy discussions. He takes over the position from Khaled Abubakr of Egypt, the previous IGU Regional Coordinator for Africa.
“This appointment is both an honour and a profound responsibility,” Nwokedi said, adding, “It acknowledges Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s gas sector while providing an important platform to advocate for sustainable energy solutions that will drive economic development across our continent.”
His responsibilities as Regional Coordinator will include:
- Advocating for policies that promote the growth and integration of natural gas across African markets.
- Facilitating knowledge transfer among industry stakeholders to encourage best practices.
- Coordinating regional events to foster collaboration among member nations and gas-related institutions.
- Providing analysis and updates on developments within Africa’s gas industry to inform IGU’s broader global strategies.
Nwokedi’s new position comes at a crucial time when the role of gas is being redefined amid global calls for cleaner energy sources. Africa, with its vast natural gas reserves, is seen as a pivotal player in the world’s transition towards cleaner energy, especially for regions that continue to grapple with electricity access and energy poverty.
His appointment also reinforces Nigeria’s position as a gas development hub, especially given ongoing projects like the Decade of Gas initiative, which aims to transform the country into a gas-powered economy. The NGA has been at the forefront of pushing for industry reforms, regulatory clarity, and infrastructure investments to support gas commercialisation in Nigeria.
The World Gas Conference, where the appointment was announced, is one of the industry’s most prestigious global platforms, bringing together leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss innovations, trends, and policies shaping the future of natural gas.
Nwokedi’s role is expected to enhance regional synergy across Africa, ensuring that gas-rich nations work together to unlock investments, implement sustainable practices, and build resilient gas infrastructure to meet domestic and export demands.
His leadership is also anticipated to support Africa’s efforts in balancing energy development with climate goals, especially as the global community intensifies the push for net-zero emissions. The IGU, which represents over 150 members across more than 80 countries, plays a central role in shaping energy policies and promoting the role of natural gas in the global energy mix.
With this appointment, Nwokedi becomes a key African voice in one of the most influential international energy organisations, helping shape policies and partnerships that could determine the future of energy access and industrialisation across Africa.
